More Things No One Told Me About Being a Mom

     After I wrote that post a couple of weeks ago about Things I Didn't Expect about Motherhood, I realized there were a host of things that I didn't even get to.  So here is a follow-up post with more things.  First off, having a child really is that funny.  Really, really funny, especially now that she has her own sense of humor and enjoys making us laugh.  Exhibit A - Lily in my shower cap, cock-eyed.



That was this morning, in between gigantic melt-downs.  Sadly, she spent a fair amount of time in time-out today, though she did take the time to "tuck-in" lambie.



One of the biggest things that I failed to mention in my first motherhood post was that no one told me I would become the target of so many people's attention in public.  I sort of expected it with pregnancy, but I did not realize the complete draw that my children would be for strangers.  It is like walking around with a huge sign that says, "Please, talk to me.  Ask my children (who can't/won't talk) their names, and if they like each other.  Tell them you love them (that actually happened with a very well-intentioned woman in Wal-Mart yesterday)."  Even as I type that, I realize how snobby I sound.  And the fact of the matter is, I think I look friendlier than I actually feel much of the time.  Which is my problem.  I have had to adjust my thinking to realize that as I am blessed to be a blessing, my children are a part of that, and they (and myself) can bring joy to people, even when it is not convenient or desirable for me.  I just didn't really think about that part of being a mom.  So when a stranger looks at me in Wal-Mart and says, "You know what the Good Lord says about children?"  And I say, "Yes," because I don't want to have the conversation, and this man is not deterred and goes on to say, "Children are a blessing from the Lord."  He is right, and I want to be a blessing to those I interact with, which is convicting all over again even as I write this.

      Another thing I didn't realize was part of the deal was the postpartum hair loss.  Around 5 months after having both girls, all of my hair (okay, not all of it, but it feels that way) starts coming out.  I took a picture of it this morning in the sink, but just decided that it was too gross to share.  Yuck.  Hair is attacking my bathroom.

      However, it is all worth it.  Such sweet girls I have.




     This was yesterday morning on our deck.  Lily was just sitting out there with her juice, enjoying our green belt and I brought Bella out to join her.  So sweet, and a great springy view as well.